The 2013 draftee, who has quickly become a fan favourite over the pre-season, will play his first match in the red and white in front of a host of family members, including a number of cousins who live in the Blacktown area.
The Aliir family got their first taste of life at the Swans late last week, when Aliir’s mother Zainab and brother Dombai attended the Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame dinner.
While Dombai isn’t able to attend tonight, he told SwansTV that the family couldn’t be prouder of the young defender.
“I’m going to be really excited when he plays,” Dombai told SwansTV.
“The family are huge Sydney Swans fans right now, so it’s going to be exciting.
“Aliir has come a long way, so to be there and to be the first Sudanese player to get drafted is a very good achievement.
“The whole family is proud of him, and while everybody couldn’t be here (at the Guernsey Presentation) we’re very proud of him and we can’t wait (for him to play).”
Dombai, who was with his brother when he was selected on National Draft night last November, said the family always had the feeling that Aliir would make it to an AFL club.
In particular, Dombai said his mother Zainab had confessed to having a dream about Aliir’s future, which coincidently came true on draft night.
“Mum had a dream three months earlier where exactly the same thing that happened on the Draft night happened,” he said.
“Me and him were sitting down and I was actually the one who was watching and then I saw the big 44 and Aliir to the Sydney Swans, and I couldn’t believe it.
“I still can’t believe it right now; it’s crazy!”
While Aliir’s family are experiencing life at an AFL club for the first time, fellow draftee Zak Jones’ family have been welcomed into their second AFL club.
Zak’s mother, Liz, who is also the proud mum of Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones, said she couldn’t be happier that her youngest son made his way to the Swans.
“I’m very proud, and I couldn’t be any prouder of him,” Liz told SwansTV.
“Out of my three boys, I’d say he’s my toughest.
“His determination and his desire and his passion, I couldn’t ask for anything better.
“He deserves it and he’s worked really hard for it and it’s all happening now so let’s just hope he gets a game!”
